Copper bearing substrate for odour control

Abstract

A substrate having discrete copper laminae for positioning proximate an odour causing area of a user's body. The lamina are spaced apart to provide channels between adjacent laminae and the substrate. The high density of the laminae and channels cooperate to control odour. Several embodiments are disclosed for use in a variety of clothing and footwear articles.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A copper bearing substrate for controlling human body odour, comprising:
 a substrate for positioning proximate an odour producing area of a user's body;   a plurality of discrete copper lamina disposed on said substrate in spaced relation, adjacent lamina forming tortuous channels defined by the adjacent lamina and said substrate, said discrete lamina having at least two common channels with adjacent lamina.   
     
     
         2 . The substrate as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said substrate comprises an insole. 
     
     
         3 . The substrate as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said substrate comprises an orthotic. 
     
     
         4 . The substrate as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said substrate comprises an article of clothing. 
     
     
         5 . The substrate as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said substrate comprises an adhesive strip adapted for contact with a material contacting said odour producing area of a user's body. 
     
     
         6 . The substrate as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said insole comprises a moisture absorbing material. 
     
     
         7 . The substrate as set forth in  claim 6 , wherein said insole includes a further copper material. 
     
     
         8 . The substrate as set forth in  claim 7 , wherein said further copper material comprises at least one of copper thread and copper powder. 
     
     
         9 . The substrate as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said copper lamina comprise circular lamina. 
     
     
         10 . The substrate as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said copper lamina comprise polygonal lamina. 
     
     
         11 . A copper bearing substrate for controlling human body odour, comprising:
 a substrate for positioning proximate an odour source;   a plurality of discrete copper laminae disposed on said substrate in spaced relation, adjacent laminae forming tortuous channels defined by the adjacent laminae and said substrate, said discrete laminae having at least two common channels with adjacent laminae.   
     
     
         12 . The substrate as set forth in  claim 11 , in combination with an article of luggage. 
     
     
         13 . The substrate as set forth in  claim 12 , wherein said luggage is selected from the group comprising a suitcase, a garment bag, a sports bag, a shoe bag, a laundry bag and a clothing hamper. 
     
     
         14 . A copper based odour and germ controlling structure suitable for positioning adjacent a source of human body odour and/or germs, comprising:
 a framework of individual copper circular or polygonal laminae connected in spaced apart relation in a predetermined shape with individual laminae being flexible relative to adjacent laminae.   
     
     
         15 . The structure as set forth in  claim 14 , wherein said frame work comprises a plurality of arrays of spaced apart and connected individual copper circular or polygonal laminae. 
     
     
         16 . The structure as set forth in  claim 15 , wherein each array is connected to an adjacent array in spaced relation. 
     
     
         17 . The structure as set forth in  claim 15 , wherein said framework includes a central branch from which said arrays extend. 
     
     
         18 . The structure as set forth in  claim 14 , wherein said arrays have a terminal free end. 
     
     
         19 . The structure as set forth in  claim 18 , wherein at least some of the terminal free ends of said arrays are connected in a predetermined pattern. 
     
     
         20 . The structure as set forth in  claim 14 , wherein said individual copper circular or polygonal laminae are connected with copper based webbing.